Running in Year 2023 (Goal 2023 km)

Sunday, August 25, 2013

27 LSD on Toronto Islands

Went back to the Toronto Islands for my LSD run yesterday - and brought the camera this time! Arrived on the 8:45 AM ferry and started the run at 9 AM. No humidity but the sun was blaring. Brought hat, sunglasses, and wore sunscreen. YTD = 1090.7 K (including 5 K runs each on Wednesday and Friday). Here are the photos!

1. View on the ferry heading towards the Island:

2. Hanlon's Point:

3. Boardwalk towards Ward Island:

4. Over the bridge on Ward's Island:

5. Taken on Ward's Island of the city!

6. Another photo across the bridge on Ward's Island:

7. And another:

8. Route towards Centre Island:

9. And another:

10. Photo taken towards Ward Island (photos are not in order!)


Log Ride in Centreville. Remember riding it. 6 tickets = about $6 ride.

Waterfall in Centre Island

And leaving the Centre Island:

Friday, August 23, 2013

Race Photo

Photos for last Saturday's Midsummer Night's Run are now posted. Only got photos at the finish line - and it was dark:


And a few photos taken by the photographers of the Toronto Islands:



Sunday, August 18, 2013

Race Report: Midsummer Night's Run 30 K

Yesterday was the Midsummer Night's Run 30 K at the Toronto Islands.

This year, the run was changed from Tommy Thompson Park to the Toronto Islands due to road construction. Parked the car at the Metro underground parking lot on King and Church for $6 and walked to the ferry boarding area. Wow - it was very packed with people! One of the organizers stated we can go to the front since we have boarding tickets. There was already a lineup with folks with boarding tickets combined with people wanting to make it to the island. Must have waited over 30 minutes to board - must be a fire hazard with so many people waiting. And not a good feeling when there are so many people crowded with you.

Arrived on Centre Island slightly before 5 PM. Heard the horn to start the 5 K run so had 30 minutes. Those in the 5 K had to rush to the start line. Did a slow 1 K warmup. The island was packed with visitors!

The 30 K had so many turns that the first few Ks I had no idea where we were going. Good thing I wore my Garmin since I would have no idea which K marker to refer to. The route was 12 K, with a repeat, followed by 6 K. Running on the wooden board walk was not good - had to be careful. I found it worse to run on the uneven payment at 11 K, 22 K, and 28 K. There was an incline and I walked it. The final K was with several turns - seemed forever to reach the finish line but I finished strong. By that time, it was dark and I really had no idea where I was going. Did see one lady fall but fortunately get up quickly along the route.


The temperature was fine - about 25 C. The sun was blazing but with a start of 5:30 PM, it was dark when I finished the race slightly 3 hours later. There was a cool breeze at the lake, with the wind blowing at you while running the boardwalk.

Not sure why, but I kept the pace as much as possible below 6 minutes per kilometre. The K markers were sometimes a bit off but overall, the race was indeed 30 K - my Garmin stated 30.2 K. My chip time of 3 hours, 4 minutes, 34.5 seconds could not be sustained for a full marathon. The race is always a great trial for the fall marathon. I always find 32 K to 38 K very challenging. Brought 2 gels which provided much needed carbohydrates.

Plenty of volunteers for this race - at the fluid stations which were well stocked as well as at key points along the route. They did a great job.

At the finish line, I got a bagel - didn't see any fruit though. There was a washroom to change into dry clothes.

My big regret is I should have walked more to cool down as I was shocked with the very large lineup for the ferry to return to the Harbourfront. Someone said it must be since the Centre Island rides and games closed at 9 PM. Not a good situation since I'm standing still, having run 30 K, with nowhere to walk. So crowded and I don't like being in such situations. Made it on the 3rd ferry - wait in total about 45 minutes. I felt sick on the ferry and thrilled when I got off it.

Celebrated with a McLobster - mine did not looked as packed as the photo from the McDonalds web site:
I hope the route returns to Tommy Thompson Park. If it is at the Toronto Islands, I will probably not do it again. The worst part was not the route but the enormous lineups for the ferry. I have never felt sick after a race.

Results:

* Place = 371 out of 619
* Gun Time = 3:04:55.2
* Chip Time = 3:04:34.5
* Pace = 6:10
* Age Category = 76 out of 105
* Gender = 222 out of 306

The finisher's medal:

And my proud little buddy:

YTD = 1053.7 K

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Midsummer Night's Run Bib PickUp

Picked up bib and tech shirt this afternoon for the Midsummer Night's Run this Saturday. It is being relocated to the Toronto Islands due to construction. 





Saturday, August 10, 2013

week in review

3 runs this week:

* Tuesday = 5 K
* Thursday = 5 K
* Saturday = 25 K

Just when I was about to leave at 8:45 AM for the run, the Garmin said "Low Battery". Aargh! Not sure how this happened as I am sure I turned off the Garmin on Thursday after the 5 K. Perhaps not? Spent an hour to recharge the Garmin - it was 50-75% charged after an hour. Fortunately, the weather was 18C but sunny. There were instances of clouds blocking the sun while on the Martin Goodman trail which always helps. But not easy with the sun. Lots of runners and bicyclists on the trail today.

Surpassed 1000 K today :-)

YTD = 1012.7 K

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Week in review - 3 runs (incl 30 K LSD)

Three runs this week:

- Tuesday = 5 K
- Thursday = 5 K
- Today (Saturday) = 30 K LSD

Did not run on the Martin Goodman Trail this morning due to the Caribana Parade at the Lakeshore. Ran east on Queen Street and then spent 10 K in the Lower Don Valley. Run started a bit late today (9 AM) and ended at 1 PM - with humidity 25C but with the blazing sun.

YTD = 977.7 K (approaching the big 1000 K!)